Culture Corner



November 3, 2011

Chapter 5 - Law and Fashion in Old England

Great Britain was ruled by a monarchy over the countries of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The royal families would influence the people from their atittudes to the way that they dressed. Some of the trends were obligated by law because in order to keep British money circulating in the 17th century, they established the Navigation Acts. These laws prevented certain foreign goods to be imported, such as painted dishware from Italy and the Netherlands. Once the act was repealled, the plain dishes that the queen once used were replaced with imported dishware.

When doing business in England, shake hands lightly with everyone present when you first arrive and once again when you are leaving. You must use last names and titles until you are allowed to use first names.

You must be punctual for meetings. After a few minutes of polite conversating, the Brits would then continue onto business. Gifts are not exchanged during business and business is usually conducted in restaurants or pubs during lunch.

Men wear dark suits and tie. Women wear suits, dresses, or skirts.



November 11, 2011

Chapter 6 - The Extreme Geography of Tanzania

The United Republic of Tazania is a a country that has extreme geographic features. In the country it includes the highest and lowesr point of the continent Africa. The highest point is Mount Kilimanjaro and Tanzania also has some of the most unspoiled beaches. The largest city and seaport of Tanzania is Dar es Salaam, which is located on the coast of the Indian Ocean. The natural beauty and wildlife of Tanzania attracts tourists from all around the world. Ecotourism is the an industry promoting travel that aims to preserve the natural world and sustain human cultures that inhabit it. One of the most wwell known destintion of Tanzania is the northern Serengeti. It is a region of grasslands and woodlands. It is famous for the annual wildlife migration but is protected by the Serengeti National Park.

Swahili is the primary language but English is used for commerce. When meeting Tanzanians shake hands.

Meetings can start a half hour late and small talk starts the conversation before doing business.

Men and women wear conservative clothing articles. Men wear suits for formal occasions and lightweight clothing is the norm.




November 21, 2011

Chapter 7 - Luxembourg's Central Role

Think About It: What is the advantage of sharing the same currency with other countries?

There are many advantages to sharing a currency with other countries. This reflects the unity and bonds that the countries may have with each other. The relationship that a country gains from a common currency can lead to a more sufficient trading partnership. There are no conversions necessary since the currency is already the same. This would make transactions much easier and faster. When countries have the same countries this may lead to a bandwagon where other boarding countries would want to join. This would create a greater unity across many countries making it easier for business, communication and a better bond.

Meeting and Greeting:

Shake hands with everyone there and once again when you are about to leave.

Business Etiquette:

Meetings start on time, call with reasoning why you are late if necessary. People begin doing business immediately.

Business Dress:

Men wear suits and ties, or sports coats and dress pants. Women wear dresses or suits.



Slumdog Millionaire

This was an amazing movie. This was my first time seeing the movie and I loved it. The relationship between Salim and Jamal is so realistic. I feel that my sister and I sometimes act like that too. We are always competing against each other and it gets out of hands occasionally. Based on what I learned in history class, the society of India seems corrupted and the government is losing control. Citizens of some authority like the police abusive their power and this contributes to the corrupted society. The movie displays the real India and what happens when the tourists can't see. I couldn't believe it when I saw the men destroy the poor boy's eye so that he would be able to beg for more money to bring back to them. That was just wrong because now one child is left blinded from a bright future. This movie was really touching to me, I saw that despite all the hardships one may face, if you believe in love and have faith, happiness will always prevail. I really enjoyed this movie and it was a lesson learned. I will not overlook what I have in front of me because you never know what may happen in the world.